November 11, 2022 at 12:15 pm
A large crowd gathered around the Sarnia Monument at 11 a.m. Friday in honor of those who served and continue to serve our country.
Hundreds of residents, veterans and dignitaries attended the annual Remembrance Day service at Veterans Park.
The Colour Party leaves Front Street at 10am for the Royal Canadian Regiment, as usual, through the city centre to the park.
Chief Sergeant Matt Marshall recited famous poems from more than 100 years ago on the battlefields of Flanders.
Addressing the crowd, Les Jones, Division President of the 62nd Corps, said part of the mission of the Royal Canadian Legion is to promote remembrance and ensure future generations of Canadians never forget the sacrifices made by our veterans.
“Your presence today is proof that our message is being heard,” Jones said.
This year’s service also includes the official unveiling of the Veterans Crosswalk at the intersection of Christina Street and Wellington Street in downtown Sarnia.
Jones said there were several reasons for choosing a red and white striped design.
“In 1921, King George V announced that red and white would be Canada’s national colors,” he said. “Red and white also represent the colors of the current Canadian flag, which we first introduced in 1965. Red further symbolizes the bloodshed of veterans serving Canada, and white is recognized as the color of peace that we all hope and pray for.”
Local government officials, organizations and residents laid about 100 wreaths at the foot of the war memorial.
The first wreath was laid in memory of cross mother Pat Poland, whose son Brent Poland was killed in Afghanistan in 2007.